ODM, Amnesty International Slam Police Action Against Butere Girls Students

The National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru has become embroiled in controversy following allegations of police misconduct against students from Butere Girls High School and members of the press. 

The incident, which reportedly involved the use of tear gas against students during their performance of the play "Echoes of War," has sparked widespread condemnation from political figures, advocacy groups, and civil rights organizations. The controversy began on Thursday morning when Butere Girls students, protesting the lack of adequate performance facilities, refused to proceed with their play and instead sang the national anthem on stage before withdrawing. 

Security forces responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing panic and forcing some students to retreat to their bus. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strong statement condemning the alleged mistreatment of the Butere Girls drama team, journalists, and festival attendees. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna criticizes the government, raising concerns about its apparent fear of artistic expression. 

Sifuna questions how a government could feel threatened by children's art, referring to it as "a mere display of youthful talent." Amnesty International has also denounced the events as a "shameful abuse of police authority," criticizing the targeting of school children's creativity as a direct assault on constitutional freedoms and human rights. The organization has demanded the unconditional release of playwright Cleophas Malala, who was reportedly detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station.

The play "Echoes of War" is at the centre of the controversy, as it allegedly critiques the government and societal ideologies. Before the festival, the play had been banned, but a court overturned the restriction, allowing the Butere Girls team to participate. Cleophas Malala, the play's director, has been accused of using school-going children to promote political agendas. These allegations have been made before, notably in connection with his 2013 play "Shackles of Doom."

Political leaders have weighed in on the issue, with Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho expressing their concerns. Musyoka criticizes the administration for intimidating children and stifling creativity, while Joho warns against politicizing educational spaces. Civil society organizations, including the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), have also condemned the use of excessive force against journalists and students, calling for investigations and accountability. 

AMWIK emphasizes the importance of safeguarding press freedoms and ensuring the safety of children during such events.